The emperor learned of the news and twitched slightly at the corner of his eye, scolding softly, “This second prince truly knows nothing!”
In the emperor’s mind, the second prince was as useless as a lump of mud. Even if he were given authority over the military department now, he wouldn’t appreciate it, constantly displaying a lackadaisical attitude. He was only proactive in indulging in food, drink, and pleasure.
If the third prince weren’t currently avoiding the spotlight, the emperor wouldn’t have let the second prince take the lead.
After reprimanding him for a moment, the emperor sent someone to summon Zhang Fang into the palace.
Zhang Fang was once again called before the emperor, and this time he entered the palace still wearing his old clothes, which displeased the emperor. He immediately rewarded Zhang Fang with several valuable gifts.
“I’m not worthy, Your Majesty! I cannot accept such rewards!” Zhang Fang humbly declined with a sincere expression.
The emperor waved his hand and said, “Didn’t you plead for forgiveness on behalf of the students from Jiangzhou? How can you not accept this reward?”
“Any person with a sense of justice would do the same. I have only done what I ought to do, not for fame or gain.”
Zhang Fang’s humble sincerity impressed the emperor. Noticing his modest demeanor, the emperor suddenly thought about the charitable organization and inquired about its status.
Zhang Fang carefully explained the charitable organization’s activities and shared the good deeds accomplished since its establishment.
In addition to creating the Relief Hall to provide free medical care for the poor, Zhang Fang also generously invested in constructing bridges and roads and hired poor laborers, helping them increase their income. Each bridge and road had a stone tablet bearing Zhang Fang’s contributions.
Although he had only been known for half a year, Zhang Fang’s income rivaled that of a nation, and all this money was used for the people. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be possible for Zhang Fang to have such influence and become an object of admiration for thousands.
Even though the emperor was already aware of these matters, hearing them directly from Zhang Fang made a difference. The emperor again asked Zhang Fang, “Do you know that wealth can only help in the short term, but it cannot save the world? Only power and wise policies can benefit the realm. I have kept a position of lecturing officer for you by my side. If you are willing, you may accompany me and share my burdens.”
Zhang Fang slowly shook his head and quietly responded, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty! Some people write well but cannot hold office. Others may not write well but can govern the world. I am unworthy, and such heavy responsibilities are beyond me.”
The emperor gazed deeply at Zhang Fang and asked meaningfully, “How can you be sure that you are unworthy of such responsibilities if you have never tried? Is it possible that the court’s unpredictable nature makes you hesitant to step in?”
“I dare not deceive Your Majesty. The dazzling flowers can be misleading, and one can easily lose their original intentions beneath power. I simply wish to be a simple writer and do some beneficial work within my capacity,” Zhang Fang said, raising his head to look earnestly at the emperor with clear eyes.
His honesty impressed the emperor, who feigned a sigh and replied, “What a pity if your talents do not enter the court. I am reaching my twilight years, while the crown prince is still young and may not be able to bear heavy responsibilities in the future.”
If it were anyone else, they would likely assure the emperor that the crown prince would surely be able to handle great responsibilities in the future. Knowing that the emperor was testing him regarding any contacts with the Eastern Palace, after all, Zhang Fang had been poisoned after visiting the Eastern Palace. Zhang Fang calmly responded, “The world needs Your Majesty to take the lead; Your Majesty should prioritize the kingdom and take care of your health.”
Seeing that Zhang Fang did not speak up for the crown prince, the emperor raised an eyebrow and suddenly asked, “What took you to the Eastern Palace last time?”
“I heard that the crown prince’s noble consort was selling official positions and titles outside. Therefore, I went to the Eastern Palace to inquire, but unfortunately, I fell ill before I could ask.” Even if the emperor did not summon Zhang Fang, this information would have been spread later on.
Upon hearing this, the emperor’s smile instantly vanished, his expression darkening as he banged the table in anger, shouting, “What nonsense! I will order an investigation into this matter! If it’s true, I will never tolerate it!”
Recently, the crown prince had been gaining prominence in court, and the emperor had been longing for an opportunity to deal with him. Zhang Fang’s action was like a timely rain, alleviating the emperor’s troubles.
The emperor was not unaware of this matter, but no one in court dared to implicate the crown prince. Especially since the third prince had been confined, the court had prioritized the crown prince, and the faction supporting the third prince had become much more subdued. Even though the second prince had emerged, he showed no intention to contend; he was just a lump of mud. Whether it was the emperor or the faction supporting the third prince, they could not lift up the second prince.
Currently, Zhang Fang’s mention of this issue was undoubtedly a covert report on the crown prince, allowing the emperor to deal with him openly!
Gazing deeply at Zhang Fang, the emperor saw clearly who he was.
Zhang Fang’s reluctance to step into the court might stem from fears of becoming a threat in the future or perhaps of becoming a slave to power. Yet, he showed great concern about the court’s activities, and every action he took was laden with meaning. Initially, he lodged a complaint against Xu Chang, and now he accused the crown prince’s noble consort’s relatives. This was a fair way to expose the festering sores allowed to grow unchecked by the third prince and the crown prince. It appeared Zhang Fang had come to the capital from the beginning to cleanse the darkness from the court.
Such a person seemed to radiate light, as if a deity had descended. The emperor may have felt a bit displeased within, but it was not a feeling of aversion. After all, such individuals were rare in this world. The darkness prevalent in the court indeed needed someone to step forward and dispel it. Previous upright officials who opposed corrupt ministers often did not live long, but Zhang Fang was different; he stood backed by the support of thousands of people. With Zhang Fang’s light to illuminate the court, the shadows could surely be dispersed.
As he pondered deeply, the emperor’s gaze toward Zhang Fang became complex. For reasons unknown, looking at the calm and tea-drinking youth before him, the emperor suddenly felt a hint of fear. Perhaps it was due to his guilty conscience, but faced with such an upright person, the emperor became anxious, fearing that one day Zhang Fang’s light might also shine upon him.
In an instant, a trace of murderous intent flickered in the emperor’s eyes. He thought of eliminating Zhang Fang.
Yet, considering Zhang Fang’s current influence, if he were to die, it would surely provoke public outrage. The emperor quickly regained his composure, dismissing the impulse to kill.
Zhang Fang appeared calm on the outside, but he truly sensed the pressure emanating from the person across from him. Pretending to be unaware, he maintained his composure and leisurely sipped his tea.
The emperor’s thoughts were unpredictable. Finally shifting the topic, he noticed Zhang Fang’s fondness for the tea and generously bestowed many precious teas upon him.
Zhang Fang expressed his gratitude to the emperor and left the palace with his rewards.